DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 1, 2026
All Saints Day
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 8:1-14; Acts 23:23-35;
Luke 7:18-35
SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:27 — This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before
you.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The farm was a great place
for learning the “theology of preparation.” Before “no-till farming,” we disked
the corn stubble before plowing and harrowed the plowed field before planting
corn. At harvest, we cut the oats and shockers tied them into bundles, stackers
put the shocks in small tepees to dry, gatherers swept up the small tepees and
hauled them to the threshing machine, and threshers cut the twine binding the
shocks together before feeding them to the machine. Even milking cows required
preparation. We brought the cows from the pasture, herded them into the milk
barn, and washed their udders. Meanwhile, the milkers were sterilized,
assembled, and moved into place before they were attached to the cows. Without
the preparation, the seed corn would not have thrived. Without preparation, the
thresher would not have harvested the grain. Without preparation, the milking
machine would have sat idle, and the cows would have suffered as their milk
went to waste. John the Baptist was not the “planter, the “thresher,” or the
“milker,” nor was he the Messiah. John was the preparer of the way for the One
who was the Messiah. Jesus considered John the greatest in the kingdom, but He
let it be known that any one of us, even the least in the kingdom, is greater
than John because the work of preparation is so vital to the Harvest. How are
you preparing yourself and others to receive the good news? Are you an inviter,
a gatherer, a welcomer, a greeter, or a caregiver? Jesus was talking about you!
We may be teachers, preachers, apostles, or witnesses in many other ways, but
what is important is that we are preparing ourselves and others to be receptive
to the good news of Jesus by pointing the way. May we use every opportunity to
“prepare the way of the Lord!”
PRAYER
You have made ready the
land, dear Father; people are eager to hear your Word. Use me this and every
day to prepare others for the good news of your Son, Jesus the Messiah. Thank
you for those who have gone before me and prepared me to receive this good
news. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 2, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 9:1-9; Acts 24:1-23;
Luke 7:36-50
SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:39 — Now, when the
Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a
prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching
him–that she is a sinner.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the more “aromatic”
(actually more disgustingly stinking) jobs we had to do on the farm was
cleaning the chicken coop. We raised over a hundred laying hens yearly who were
not “potty trained.” Occasionally, an old hen would die and fall under the
roosting boards, adding to the already nearly deadly odors. At times, I’d take
a deep breath before entering and exhale slowly as I worked furiously, hoping
to get my head out of the door before I passed out from oxygen deprivation! It
was bad. Unfortunately, those “wonderful” aromas also clung to our clothes, so
anyone who came near us could take one whiff and know exactly where we’d been.
The Pharisees looked on “outsiders,” Gentiles, and “low-life-women” as little
better than smelly animals whose guilt would contaminate anyone with whom they
came in contact. It was truly “guilt by association,” and obviously, Jesus was
guilty! I find it incredible to read the stories about Jesus in the gospels and
discover how radical He was in His love for all people - even those who might
“contaminate” Him by their touch: the
woman who was bleeding for 12 years, the lepers, the Samaritan woman, the sick,
the tax collector, the demon-possessed, just to name a few. Without hesitation,
Jesus reached out to touch, forgive, heal, and give them a new lease on life.
No one was too sinfully contaminated for Jesus. Have you followed His example?
You don’t have to roll around in the chicken coop to pick up the odor, but at
the same time, reaching out to those considered “unclean” or “undesirable”
won’t contaminate you either. May we all learn that lesson from our Lord!
PRAYER
I am deeply sorry, O Holy
One, for refusing to associate with those I deem “unclean.” Cleanse my
judgmental heart so it will be open to seeing those who are not like me as your
precious children. Thank you for loving me and others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 9:10-17; Acts 24:24 -
25:12; Luke 8:1-15
SCRIPTURE
Luke 8:5 — A sower went
out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled
on, and the birds of the air ate it up.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
After moving the parsonage
across the street to a vacant lot, we put in a new lawn. The lot had been the
location of an Episcopal church, then a parking lot. It took quite some time
and effort to till, fertilize, and seed. The area around the house had been
hard-packed by cars, trucks, and foot traffic. Adding some good topsoil made
most of the lawn reasonably good. Keeping the new lawn watered produced a very
healthy stand of grass. However, the area in the back of the house, near the
ally that received the most traffic, remained very poor. Unfortunately, the
sprinkler often missed that area, so the seed had an even tougher time
germinating and growing. It is the kind of soil Jesus told about in the
parable. Some people are a lot like that patch of hard-packed soil. These
“path-people” have been beaten down, run over, abused, and neglected. Their
lives have been so hard that even good news doesn’t penetrate them deep enough
to give them a chance. It takes a lot of tender, loving care to make them
receptive again. Jesus doesn’t suggest avoiding the “path-people” soil. He
merely points out that the good seed won’t just grow on its own. As a gardener,
I know that the soil on the path will take some extra effort to nurture it back
to life again. The “path-people” will need true friends to do the same with
them. Can you be that kind of friend for someone who has grown hard and
unreceptive to God’s word? Christ will do the sowing and encouraging. May we be
faithful about the nurturing.
PRAYER
Bless those who have
become embittered with life and You, dear Lord. I am willing if you can use me
to soften their hearts and minds toward You. Give me patience, knowing that it
might take a very long time before the results of your wish for all to grow in
love for you may be seen. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 10:1-15; Acts 25:13-27;
Luke 8:16-25
SCRIPTURE
Luke 8:22 — One day, he
got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to
the other side of the lake.” So they put out,....
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The invitation to hop on the
tractor with Dad usually meant work. The invitation to get in the car to go
someplace was often an opportunity for fun or adventure. However, sometimes the
reverse could be true. If the roads were muddy, the tractor was our only means
of getting to the dam to go fishing. Since we didn’t have a boat and didn’t
know anyone who did, getting in a boat wasn’t an option. For the disciples, the
boat served both purposes. The prospect of getting in the boat to fish was an
invitation to work. Fishing wasn’t a fun sport; it was hard work aimed at
making a living. Getting in the boat to get to the other side of the sea was an
invitation to adventure for the disciples. Many ancient people considered the
sea a fearful place where sudden storms and sea monsters could claim helpless
victims. Many thought the sea was the entryway to Sheol - the place of the
departed spirits! So, there was also an element of risk and danger. In
addition, going to the “other side” of the Sea of Galilee meant leaving “God’s
country” to enter pagan territory, where pagans practiced real and imagined
rituals and worship. Crossing the lake with Jesus could be considered a giant
leap into trouble by good Jewish boys who thought twice before stepping on
Canaanite soil. In a book by John Ortberg, the author makes the point that “if
you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” In this case,
Jesus reminds us, “If you want to find adventure with Him, you have to get in
the boat and cross over with Him wherever you go.” Are you
feeling adventuresome?! Are you willing to get in the boat with Jesus, trust
Him to keep you safe through the journey, and allow Him to be the Captain of
your life? May you experience the joy of that journey - even today!
PRAYER
I don’t know how
adventuresome I feel, my Jesus. I like it when I feel safe in my own
environment and community. But I know that others who have not experienced your
love or Word will not unless you send me out. Stir me to get into the boat,
knowing you are with me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 5, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 11:1-11; 1 Corinthians
4:9-16; Matthew 15:21-28
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 15:28 — Then Jesus
answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed instantly.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I ran into a strand of
rusty barbed wire, slicing open my eyebrows (another story for another time),
my parents took me to the doctor to have my “mortal” wounds repaired. When my
neck ached every time I tried to turn my head, I went to a chiropractor. In one
session, the pain was gone! When I had a toothache, I went to the dentist. It
hurt to have it fixed, but I went home with my tooth intact and no more aching.
In every case, I could have waited to see if the pain or bleeding would go away
on its own, but I found tremendous relief in getting it fixed by a professional
when I did. The woman, whose daughter was deathly sick, had tried everything
else. When she finally went to Jesus, He healed her daughter. Have you ever
wondered why we are so slow to deal with our spiritual wounds and pain? When
things aren’t going well in life; when we feel down or even depressed; when we
feel put down, trampled on, passed over, or just plain beaten by people or
events in our lives; or when we are “sick” of the way we live, it is wise to go
to the medical doctor, the dentist, the chiropractor, or natural health
professional God blessed with knowledge and insight. But these practitioners
can only do so much. They will be the first to tell you they can only help with
the symptoms. True deep healing comes from God. The woman in the gospel story
allowed her faith, determination, persistence, and desperation to take her to
the One who could heal in the way her daughter needed healing. I often
encourage people to surround the people they pray for with the light of Christ
(imagine the light from Jesus shining on them) to bring the healing they need.
Are you willing to make spiritual healing a part of your total healing? May the
golden light of Christ shine on you this day!
PRAYER
O Holy light, shine on me
this day so that I might feel the healing power of your love. Make me whole in
body and soul. Make me more like this unnamed woman willing to come to you.
Give me her faith that I will readily believe in your healing touch and word.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 6, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 11:12-12:1; Acts
26:1-23; Luke 8:26-39
SCRIPTURE
Luke 8:39 — (Jesus said to
the man from whom he drove a legion of demons who entered a herd of swine,) “Return
to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away,
proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Over the years, I have been
privileged to meet some extraordinary people. Perhaps a better way of saying it
is that they were terrific “ordinary” people who developed and used their
God-given gifts in exceptional ways. Hans Braasch was a retired seed salesman
with a talent for bringing people into the church I’ve never been able to
match. In one of my travels, I met a retired magician with a gift that made me
question my own eyes. Another man who amazed me was a florist who joined one of
our Bible studies. Many of his floral bouquets were beautiful pieces of art. I told
him my admiration for his work and my wish to create something half as nice. With
great sincerity, Vern shook his head and said, “This is nothing compared with
the beautiful way you can stand in front of people and preach the gospel!” The man from whom Jesus drove the legion of
demons truly admired Jesus and wanted to become His follower. But Jesus gave
him a different mission he could carry out in his hometown and the surrounding
communities. For him, there was a higher calling to fulfill than tagging along
with Jesus and His followers. When we envy someone else for their God-given
talents, we may need to look in the mirror and ask God what God wants us to do.
There may be a higher calling for us right at home.
PRAYER
Thank you for giving me
many gifts and abilities, my Heavenly Father. Help me to see them clearly and
not to be falsely modest about them. As the prophet of old said, “Here I am,
Lord, take me,” use me and my talents for your good. In the name of Jesus, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 7, 2026
John Christian Frederick Heyer, missionary to India,
1873
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 12:2-14; Acts
26:24-27:8; Luke 8:40-56
SCRIPTURE
Luke 8:40-56 — Jesus said,
“Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We played a game called
“Electricity,” in which all except one of the fifteen K-8 students in our
school sat in a circle holding hands. The object was to pass the “electricity”
on to the person next to us without the person in the middle catching us. The
game was a lesson in how electricity travels through power lines until someone
interrupts the flow. Medical scientists tell us the human body works in much
the same way. They even have instruments to measure the flow of that
electricity in the body. When that flow is interrupted, the person may
experience disease or even death. Some people can share their electrical energy
with others with a touch. Others may withdraw that energy, causing the other
person to feel drained. Our spiritual energy, the power and energy of the Holy
Spirit within us, flows through each of us similarly. It may even use that
electrical energy as a pathway. Jesus often went “to a lonely place by Himself”
to have that spiritual energy recharged by His Father in prayer. It was that
same spiritual energy that Jesus felt drained from Him when the woman touched
the hem of His robe and was healed. Do you ever feel drained? What do you do
about it? Do you follow Jesus’ example by allowing your Creator to recharge
your spiritual batteries in worship, prayer, and studying His Word? If not, you
may be even more susceptible to “dis-ease” and the diseases and illnesses going
around. Promise that you will let Jesus recharge your spiritual batteries
before they “flat line” or die. Like the woman He healed, you may be blessed by
simply touching the hem of His robe!
PRAYER
Thank you for those quiet
moments when I can be alone, dear God. When you give me those opportunities,
help me use them wisely by steeping myself in prayer, meditation, and your
word. Recharge me so I can be your servant, sharing with others the renewed
power you give me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 8, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 13:1-3; Acts 27:9-26;
Luke 9:1-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:1 — Then Jesus
called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons
and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and
to heal.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
In early November, before the
snow began to fall and pile up on the ungraded road between the “Home Place”
and our “West Place” (two miles away), we staged a cattle drive. We called the neighbors
to help bring the cattle from those pastures to the farm where we were living,
where we could feed them, and they would have some protection from winter
storms. The problem was that there were no fences for more than a mile along
the road down which the cattle had to travel. These cattle had been free to
roam the pastures within fences but were too dumb to know they were supposed to
stay on the road, so we had to encourage them to do so without spooking them
into a stampede. We had to watch for other cars on the road and neighborhood
dogs that might frighten them. Occasionally, one or more of the younger ones
would decide to try out their muscles and take off running. Fortunately, some
neighbors had horses and could round up the strays. Jesus didn’t send the
disciples on a cattle drive. While our cattle were valuable to us, the souls of
the people Jesus sent His disciples to “round up” were far more precious and
valuable to Him. They were given the tools they needed for the job - not horses
to chase them down, but power and authority over the dogs - demons and disease
- and hearts of love willing to share the good news. We might all ask, “Am I a
disciple?” “Have I accepted the call to be involved in the “round up” aimed at
bringing others from the “pastures of the world” to the “green pastures of
Home”? May you find joy in your calling!
PRAYER
Equip me, my Savior, with
the tools I need to be a part of the “round-up” you have called me to be a part
of. Give me words to say, an open heart, and love for my neighbor so I may help
bring them to you and your love. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 9, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 13:4-8; Acts 27:27-44;
Luke 9:18-27
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:23 — Then he said
to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and
take up their cross daily and follow me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
There were a lot of
requirements for getting into our army to defeat some fierce headhunters in the
jungles north of our barracks (farmhouse). You had to be able to crawl under
the barbed wire barrier, climb the tallest tree in the world, slide down the huge
vine (a rope), and find your way through grass that we estimated to be fifty
feet tall. Whining or complaining automatically disqualified anyone. It was terrific,
but every man who came to the war, including Robert Leslie, made it! It was a
good war. The enemy died, but we recovered from our “mortal” wounds in time for
an afternoon snack. Jesus wasn’t calling children to play army. He was calling
people to a spiritual war to be fought with words and prayer. Our requirements
may have been challenging, but Jesus’ requirements are extreme! He wants us to
take up our cross daily. What are your crosses? What are your burdens? What
kind of follower are you? If whining or complaining automatically disqualified
you, would you be with Jesus? We must recognize that Jesus doesn’t ask us to go
it alone. The words “follow me” help us see that He has been there and will be
there as long as we are willing to follow Him. May you be a happy follower of
Jesus as you bear whatever cross you have to carry!
PRAYER
I know that whatever my
cross, you will help me bear it, O my Lord. Help me not to complain and whine
about it, but accept it, knowing that you will make all my burdens lighter. Use
me as your disciple and one who will make the burdens of others more bearable.
In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Martin Luther, born in 1483
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 13:9-16; Acts 28:1-16;
Luke 9:28-36
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:29 — And while he
was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became
dazzling white.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Our family watched the Ed
Sullivan Show shortly after we got our first black-and-white television. One of
the acts amazed us. They introduced the actors and dancers, who looked as
normal as other performers. However, the stage lights were turned off, and all
at once, all we saw were white hats, white canes, and white shoes dancing
without bodies! We strained through the snowy reception to see if we could see
the outline of a body, but we couldn’t. The lights went on at the end of the
number, and there they were, from head to toe! I’ve seen something similar done
with black lights that dazzle anything white. No black lights were on the
mountain when the disciples woke from their naps that night. Peter, James, and
John had hiked up the steep mountain overlooking the Valley of Armageddon. They
were tired and needed some rest. They may have thought they were dreaming when
Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. They were seeing Jesus in a new light. It
was in the light of the One who created light, and it is Light. They may have
suspected that Jesus was the Messiah before, but with the brilliance of the
Transfiguration and the voice from heaven, there was no room for doubt. He was
the One they believed Him to be! May we see Jesus in a new light when we open
our hearts and minds to Him? May we each discover how Jesus reflects the light
of our Father in heaven, and we, in turn, reflect His light in a dark and challenging
world.
PRAYER
Shine your brilliant light
upon me, dear Jesus, so I may clearly see you and the wonder that you are. Help
me to see the Father through you and send your Holy Spirit within me so I may
shine your light into a world in need of your light. In your Holy Name, I pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397; Soren Kierkegaard,
teacher, theologian, 1855
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Hosea 14:1-9; Acts 28:17-31;
Luke 9:27-50
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:40 — (The man whose
son was seized by a demon that caused him to fall into convulsions said to
Jesus) “I begged your disciples to cast
it out, but they could not.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
For many years, I watched the
kids in the upper grades doing long divisions on the blackboard. It always
seemed like such a mysterious project. In my mind, it was almost magical!
Hand-held calculators were not even in our vocabulary. I was excited the year
my teacher said I would learn how to do it. I could hardly wait. However, her
first big assignment made me think I missed the magic. All of my answers were
wrong! I couldn’t believe it. Since I was the only person in my class then, the
teacher reviewed the process with me again. Out of my disappointment and
confusion came a flash of understanding. I incorrectly placed left-over numbers
so that the answers couldn’t be correct. Following the instructions brought the
results that I needed. The novice disciples went out to follow Jesus’
instructions but missed something. No doubt they were asking the same question
the man was asking: “What are we doing wrong?” They were missing something.
Jesus answered that this type of problem required prayer and fasting. Many
problems we face in life seem as if something is missing in our solution.
Fortunately, Jesus promised to be with us always. If we invite Him to help us
and listen to Him, the solutions will present themselves. Some may require a
whole new approach. Some may even require prayer and fasting. Whatever it is,
we can be sure Jesus will not disappoint us!
PRAYER
I get so frustrated, my
Jesus when things don’t come out right no matter how hard I try. Show me a
better way and trust in you and your timing. I thank you for being with me this
day and each day as I learn more and more about loving my neighbor. In your
Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 12, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 1:1-9; 1 Corinthians
10:1-13; Matthew 16:13-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 16:18-19 — And I
tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We didn’t have a key to our farmhouse
until we heard a prowler running away after we went to bed. Even then, I think
it was a universal skeleton key. However, our church in town was locked, and
only a few people had keys. I thought I’d made it big time when I received my
own church key so I could practice the organ. I also felt really important when
I received my key to the music store after working there for a week. Since
then, I’ve gone through lots of keys. Some were really important, some
relatively unimportant, and some - I never figured out what they were for! With
most keys came the authority to enter a building or a room. There was also a
responsibility for security and for accomplishing some important tasks. The
“keys” Jesus gave Peter and all disciples of the Lord, including us, carry the
authority to speak the word of forgiveness and a heavy load of responsibility
to do so. It also gave authority to bind people to their sins until they repent
and the responsibility to make that declaration in hopes that sinners will turn
from their sins and live. Can we manage that much authority? Can we shoulder
that much responsibility? We, who claim to be disciples of Christ, are the
bearers of the keys of the kingdom. May we be found worthy of the “yoke” Jesus
shares with us!
PRAYER
My Jesus, you have given
your church and me a tremendous responsibility with the keys to your kingdom.
Help me use them responsibly, not with revenge or meanness, but so that we will
all live under the banner of your love. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 13, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 2:1-13; Revelation
7:1-8; Luke 9:51-62
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:51 — When the days
drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My parents must have talked
to me about starting kindergarten, but I had no idea what they were getting me
into. When Mom dropped me off at Canfield School with my new crayons, pencils,
and tablet, I had no idea it was the beginning of a life sentence! I believed
that at the end of the day, she would pick me up, we’d go home, and that was
that. When she did pick me up, my most explicit memory of the day was the panic
I felt when I got in the car and remembered that I’d left my crayons, pencils,
and tablet behind and the shock I felt when she said it was alright, that I’d
be back the next day! I wasn’t upset. I liked the stuff we did at school - away
from a sister and three brothers. However, I was well prepared for the
beginning of high school, junior college, Midland College, and seminary. I
planned for them myself, and once I knew the “when and where,” it was as if I’d
“set my face to go” there. Each time I’ve accepted a new call, I’ve experienced
the same thing. There is always some anxiety, but once I make the decision,
there is no turning back. Once Jesus decided to follow His Father’s plan, He
also “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” There was no turning back. Where have
you set your face? Are you fully committed to the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
Once you make that commitment, may God help you “set your face to go” where God
leads you.
PRAYER
Show me through your
Spirit the way you want me to go, O Father. Make your will, my will. Where do
you see my ministry going? In my hometown? Towards a different place. Who
should I tell of the good news of your love? As you show me the way, set my
face upon it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 14, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 3:1-8; Revelation
7:9-17; Luke 10:1-16
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:1 — After this the
Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every
town and place where he himself intended to go.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
A college friend came into
the music store where I worked one Saturday and begged me to help him with a
banquet at the hotel. He was responsible for serving, waiting tables, and
cleaning up. As his story unfolded, he was supposed to recruit some people to
help but had put it off until it was almost too late. So, when I got off work,
I went to help my friend. They were feeding nearly 500 people at a sit-down
dinner in the city auditorium! When I arrived, I saw all the tables, all the
plates, and food starting to arrive, and he and I to do all the work! He did
some frantic begging that afternoon. One by one, more of our classmates began
to show up. By the time we were in full operation, there were ten of us, plus
some of the regular hotel staff. We could have used even more help, but we were
thankful for the help we had. Jesus considered all the people in all the
villages in the land and knew He was only one voice among so many. Choosing
seventy people among His disciples, He sent them out to prepare the way for His
good news. It was a multiplication of workers for the kingdom. Jesus has been
seeking to do the same since that day. He has had His eye on you since your
baptism. Jesus was thrilled when you confirmed your faith. Now, He longs to
have you on His team, where you are and where you go. You heard His appointment
when you confirmed your faith or joined the church. Are you willing to go, or
have you become an armchair Christian? You have an appointment to keep! May God
richly bless you to be among the sent.
PRAYER
It is a relief to know
that you don’t expect me to do your ministry alone, dear Lord. Thank you for
making me part of a larger body, the Church. I praise you for giving me my
local congregation and that of a larger organization. Use me in every way you
need me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 15, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 3:9-4:5; Revelation
8:1-13; Luke 10:17-24
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:17 — The seventy
returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name, even the demons submit to us!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My first-grade teacher taught
me to make my first paper airplane. She showed everyone in our school an
airplane she had made. With just a flick of her wrist, it flew to the back of
the room, just narrowly missing one of the eighth graders. Then, step by step,
she showed us how to fold the piece of paper she had given each of us. When we
finished the last fold, she announced that we would have a contest to see whose
plane could fly the longest distance. My plane didn’t win, but it flew!
Success! Jesus didn’t teach His disciples to fly paper airplanes. He taught
them far greater skills in sharing the good news, healing the sick, and casting
out demons. No doubt, the seventy left to carry out their mission with some
fear and trembling, but they returned jubilantly rejoicing. It worked! Their
first mission was a total success. Jesus hasn’t stopped teaching His disciples,
even today. He uses parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors, and often people
we would never expect. Since baptism, you have learned to witness, pray,
worship, share the good news, and cast out the world’s demons. Have you learned
your lessons well? Have you been practicing what you’ve learned? Jesus expected
His disciples to have a few setbacks along the way, and they did. But the name
of Jesus and His presence with you will help you “fly” as long as you let your
paper airplane go. Today, why not write a verse of scripture and prayer on
paper, fold it into an airplane, and let it fly to someone who may just be
waiting to meet you and for you to share Jesus with them?!
PRAYER
It is always so exciting
when I share your love with others, O Holy One, and they come to know you.
Thank you for teaching me to share that news. When I am timid and afraid, give
me the courage to open my mouth again and invite someone to “come and see.” In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 16, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 5:1-15; Revelation
9:1-12; Luke 10:25-37
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:37 — He said, “The
one who showed him mercy (is the good neighbor). ... Go and do likewise.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It seemed so simple when my
uncle did it. Step by step, he showed me how to mix the cement properly and
fill the large steel mold. He showed me how to make the cement settle and pack
it to get the air out. I thought I followed every step carefully, but when the
mold came off, I had missed one small area, and the whole four-foot tall, three-foot-in
diameter section I had made was useless. It had to be broken up, thrown on the
pickup, and hauled to the dump, and I had to start all over. The rich young man
had filled his “mold” and packed it with excellent things, but there was one
area of his life he couldn’t get right, and he went away disappointed when
Jesus pointed it out to him. The Pharisees had their religious molds filled to
the brim with many good things, but they had missed one small but essential
ingredient - compassion for the stranger, the outcast, and the outsider. Their
strict interpretation of the Law and numerous additions to it had narrowed
their definition of “neighbor” to “those who think the way we do.” There are a
lot of religious groups around, even today, who do the same thing. Jesus opens
the door on that “mold” and includes the people most despised by the “good
Jews” of His day. Have you found yourself ignoring the needs of people who
don’t fit your mold? Are you up to accepting Jesus’ expanded definition of
“neighbor”? Thank God Jesus didn’t look at our sin - the flaws - and decide to
throw us away! Jesus loves us “just as we are.” May that knowledge fill you
with hope and allow you to see your “neighbors” in need today.
PRAYER
You and your parents were
once strangers in a foreign land, dear Jesus. Did those in Egypt show you
hospitality? Open up my heart, my mind, and my home to welcome those who are
strangers among us. Help me see all people as your children and those you love.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Elizabeth of Thuringia, Princess of Hungary, 1231
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 6:1-8; Revelation
9:13-21; Luke 10:38-42
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:40a — But Martha
was distracted by her many tasks;....
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Without a question, I was swamped.
I had just finished building a road through the jungle along a dangerously
steep mountainside and through a swamp to save a small village from starvation.
I was in the process of raising a water tower so the people would not die of
thirst. And, if that wasn’t enough, I could see giant ants about to attack, and
I was the only one who could defeat them with my Roy Rogers six-shooter. With
all that going on, my sister yelled for me to come into the house. It was the
middle of the afternoon! It wasn’t time for supper. I had work to do. When I
finally had time to go in, I discovered Mom had baked cookies, and my sister
and brothers had eaten all but one! Because of my “busy distractions,” I almost
missed a treat. Martha had different distractions. They were not imaginary.
There would be guests for dinner. Hospitality was of utmost importance. If
Martha was like one of my aunts, she also wanted to ensure every square inch of
her house was spotless. These were significant concerns for a good hostess. Many
of my busy distractions are important concerns to me, too. It’s not that they
are unimportant. It’s a matter of setting priorities. Is an extra hour of sleep
on Sunday morning more important than God? Is a talk on the telephone more
important than making time for a lonely neighbor? Is our work or play more critical
than putting time and effort into “sitting at the feet of Jesus”? May this be a
week of discovering what our priorities are?
PRAYER
Forgive me, O my Lord,
when I forget to set my priorities, and my activities seem to take over. Show
me a better way of putting you and those in need first in what I do today and
throughout the week. Open my heart and mind to your word and my ministry to
others. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 7:1-7; Revelation
10:1-11; Luke 11:1-13
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:11 — Is there
anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead
of a fish?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the folk songs I love
to sing is “Scarlet Ribbons.” It tells of a father wanting to give his daughter
a gift. All she asks for is a scarlet ribbon for her hair. He searches all
night, through the whole town, but cannot find a ribbon. But it concludes, “I
peeked in and on her bed, in gay profusion lying there, scarlet ribbon... for
her hair.” As a father, I long to give my children what they want. When our
children were young and we were strapped for cash, my heart would ache when
they asked for something I knew we couldn’t afford. I also remember many
requests for things I knew would not be good for them, which I had to refuse
with a “No” or those infamous words “We’ll see.” I wanted to be a good father,
but giving them something harmful, even when they wanted it, would have been
like giving them a poisonous snake when they needed a fish. In that way, I
believe I’m following my heavenly Father’s way of dealing with me. Some bad
fathers and mothers give their children a snake by encouraging them to smoke,
drink, do drugs, lie, or any number of other things - by their example.
However, I believe most parents, like God, want only the best for their
children. May every adult to whom children look for “gifts” always remember
their Father’s model.
PRAYER
I am so grateful that I
have you as my Heavenly Father. You have known me before I was born and have looked out for me since then. You have
not always given me the things I think I want and need, but I know you only
have my interests in mind. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 19, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jonah 1:1-17; 1 Corinthians
10:15-24; Matthew 18:15-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 18:20 — For where
two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I knew that “Jesus loves the
little children” and that He would always be with me, but when I was four, I
wasn’t so sure Jesus liked going down in the cave to get potatoes with me. I
thought He probably stayed up at the entrance to the cave, and no amount of
coaxing could change my opinion. If Dad or Mom went with me, I knew Jesus would
go too, and the monsters wouldn’t bother us. Little boys, by themselves, were
perfect targets for hungry beasts. There was comfort in having someone in the
flesh to walk with me past the cemetery on the hill between school and my
grandparent’s farm. I was always happy that Jesus grew up as a little child. As
God’s son, He may not have experienced fear in heaven, but being born human, He
experienced the same feelings every little boy or girl experiences. There is a
great benefit to having two or three people working together. Two people can
lift more than one, even if the sum of what they lift is added together. Two
people can increase one another’s courage, multiply one another’s energy, and
compound one another’s resources to meet needs they would not have imagined
tackling individually. The benefits of worship are like that. We need not sing
solos. We need not make decisions alone. We need not helplessly hope for
forgiveness as if we were expecting a tree in the forest to speak it. Instead,
when two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, we join a chorus of voices, share
encouragement, and hear the voice of God speaking through the voice of others
to declare God’s forgiveness in Jesus’ name. May you discover a multitude of
other benefits from worshiping with others as the Spirit of God fills you!
PRAYER
Thanks be to you, O Lord,
my God, for all the saints you surround me with in my church community, family,
and friends. It is good to know I do not have to do things alone, and you are
constantly in our midst. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 20, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jonah 1:17-2:10; Revelation
11:1-14; Luke 11:14-26
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:23 — Whoever is
not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
One
thing was certain on the farm. We worked as a team. We weren’t always a team of
“happy campers” who wanted to be there, but we worked. That was true when we
picked up hay bales or chopped cockleburs in the summer. Visitors or relatives
who came to the field were either helping us or were seen as a distraction. The
milk barn and other chores were much the same. If neighbor kids came to play
when we had work to do, we gave them the choice: “Join us or go home.” Our
neighbor kids knew the rule, and if it was some unpleasant job, like cleaning
out the chicken coop, they might stop to say “Hi,” but they headed home fast.
Some things Jesus says make me wonder if He didn’t grow up at our farm or at
least have parents who thought like my parents did! He made it clear to those
following Him that they had that choice, too: “Either help us or take a
hike!” “You’re either for us or against
us.” If it was true for his followers, then it is certainly true for us now.
Whose side are you on, anyway? Are you with Him in the work He has given us to
do in His name, or do you expect some “professional” to do that while you stand
back and watch? Are you with Him on Sunday morning when His body gathers for
worship, or are you off playing your games, catching extra z’s, or just doing
your own thing while wanting to continue to claim to be a member of His church?
Are you really with Him? Happily, you’re always welcome to rejoin the “team”
anytime! May you discover the joy of being with Jesus every day of your life -
now and into eternity!
PRAYER
I
pray that you see through my speech and actions, O Lord Jesus, that I am with
you. Let others know I am yours by how I act when they are around. Even as
important, may you see this side of me when others aren’t around. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 21, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jonah 3:1-4:11; Revelation
11:14-19; Luke 11:27-36
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:28 — Blessed
rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Mrs. Weddingfeld, my organ
teacher, passed away a few years ago. She was an excellent teacher who truly
loved music and the children she taught. She was not a pushover, however. She
gave us assignments and expected us to complete them. She demanded that we
practice if we would take lessons from her. She also challenged us with
increasingly difficult music. I was excited to receive some pieces of music I liked
until I saw all the black notes on the page! My first reaction was to shake my
head and say, “I can’t do this!” But Mrs. Weddingfeld patiently showed me that
I could. Breaking the music down into bite-sized bits, she had me practice
specific measures and then had me put those measures together. I learned those
complex songs, memorized them, and played them on WJAG radio for Tom’s Music
House. Learning the Word of God is a lot like that. We have to allow ourselves
to hear the Word, practice it, and then obey it, living it as if it were a part
of us. The wonderful gifts of regular worship and Bible study keep giving to
us. They are God’s grace coming to us in bite-sized bits we can hear and
practice. May you allow yourself the challenge of hearing and practicing God’s
Word so that you may encourage others to do the same.
PRAYER
I am sorry there are many
days I neglect your word, my God. Help me in my discipline to study each day to
grow stronger in that word. Thank you for the opportunity to work and study
with other believers. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 22, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Nahum 1:1-14; Revelation
12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:42 — But woe to
you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect
justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without
neglecting the others.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I began tithing earnestly in
seminary, working in a funeral home, and making $75 monthly (which had to cover
all my expenses). When Sue and I were married, tithing seemed like the natural
thing for us to do. Sometimes, our decision was challenged, but God always came
through in the most remarkable ways. Tithing, giving 10% of your income to the
work of the Lord, has been important evidence of commitment to God from as far
back as Abraham and Melchizedek in the Old Testament (Genesis 14). It was a
giving of 10% of the first and best fruits of a person’s labors. It was a way
of declaring to God, “I know that all that I have or ever will have comes from
You, Lord, and I trust You to continue to provide me with all that I
need.” Some of the Pharisees enjoyed
impressing people with how much they were giving. They brought large bags of
mint and rue to place on the altar. To the observer, their “tithe” looked
enormous! I might note that mint, used for digestion and covering foul odors,
and rue, used for calming nerves and improving eyesight, grows like weeds. In
addition, a pound of dried leaves would fill a huge bag. It was a cheap but
impressive tithe to an outside observer. Jesus is looking for a tithe that
comes from the heart and shows evidence of truly loving others and trusting God
to continue supplying our needs. His message is the same for us today. Is our
offering only a showy bag of mint or rue, or is it a sincere offering of
ourselves, our lives, and our possessions to the One who has given us all we
have - and our salvation through His Son?
PRAYER
Thank you, dear Lord, for
everything you have let me use: all that I have, all my money and possessions.
I am sorry for thinking of these things as my own and not sharing them freely
with others. Give me the joy that comes with tithing. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 23, 2026
Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Nahum 1:15-2:12; Revelation
12:7-17; Luke 11:53-12:12
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:22-23 — He said to
his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you
will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food,
and the body more than clothing.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The days of my childhood were
relatively worry-free. Everything I needed was provided for me. The thing I had
to worry about most was getting an assignment done at school. A trip to the
dentist was a very worrisome part of my life. In my opinion, at the time, it
was worth worrying about. Fillings were always very painful, and on the rare
occasions when the dentist used a pain killer on me, he used a foot-long-dull-as-a-worn-pitchfork-handle
needle that seemed to go all the way through the top of my head or down to my
tailbone. Yes, that did cause nightmares. However, I wouldn’t say I was a
“worry-wart.” My Aunt Clara, on the
other hand, worried about everything. She was a perfectionist who would dust
mop the floor on her way out of her house to go to a restaurant! I’ve met a few
other “worry warts” over the years and feel sorry for them. In most cases, they
try to trust God, but something in their make-up has convinced them that God
can’t do it alone. Sadly, they fail to see what is important in life. Jesus had
some disciples who were falling into that trap. His advice was to take time to
smell the flowers. Yes, we have to earn a living, but much of what we slave for
we can’t take with us anyway. It is essential, Jesus tells us, to make sure
that we worry about the right things if we need to worry at all. What is life
all about for you? I find myself worrying when I leave God out of my plans.
Someone told me recently, “Man plans, and God chuckles!” It is God’s plan that
matters, and God, who is good, never fails! Thanks be to God!
PRAYER
When I fall into the trap
of being a “worry-wart,” O my Savior, turn my thoughts to you and your
goodness. You have never failed me, even though you sometimes said “no.” Whatever
happens to me, the outcome is your love for me and the promises you have made.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Nahum 2:13-3:7; Revelation
13:1-10; Luke 12:13-31
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 18:34-35 — And in
anger, his Lord handed (the steward who failed to forgive as he had been
forgiven) over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my
heavenly Father will also do to every one of you if you do not forgive your
brother or sister from your heart.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had a large gas tank
mounted six feet off the ground on large boards bolted to posts. It held about
500 gallons of gas for the tractors and the car. Several times a year, Dad
would have Mom call the gas man to have him refill the tank. Often, the gas man
would come when we weren’t around. He would wedge his bill in the screen door
and leave. About harvest time, he would be back to see if he could collect for
the gas he delivered so he could pay his bills. Dad usually wrote him a check
or promised to stop by the next day to “settle up.” Either way, Dad would have
to make a trip into town to talk to the bank to ensure he could cover the
check. The penalty for not paying the bill or paying it with a bad check would
have been bad news. The gas man would have lost trust in Dad and embarrassed
our whole family. Both depended on the other to keep their trust. Forgiveness,
like the gas in our tank, didn’t come cheap. It cost God a great deal - more
than silver and gold! But God is willing to pass on the saving act of His son
to all believers, expecting them, in turn, to pass that saving grace on to
others. Jesus makes it plain that stiff penalties apply to those who fail to do
so. Have you paid your debt for sin in full? It is humanly impossible to do so.
However, Jesus did the humanly impossible and paid it in full on the cross. Are
you willing to pass it on? Have you been holding on to a hurt, a pain, a sin
someone committed against you? Are you willing to let go and let God be the
judge? Why not enjoy the peace that comes from knowing that, as you have
forgiven others, God has forgiven you?
PRAYER
I hoard up past sins and
mistakes of others as bad debts, my Savior. Forgive me for not forgiving others
as you have forgiven me. Thank you for loving me so much that you would give up
life to see that you have paid my debt. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Isaac Watts, hymn writer, 1748
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Nahum 3:8-19; Revelation
13:11-18; Luke 12:32-48
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:32-34 — Do not be
afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the
kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that
do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near,
and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When we lived in Fremont,
Nebraska, an old tree died in the corner of our backyard. I didn’t have the
money to have it taken down professionally, so I took it down myself with a
hand saw, limb by limb. I used an ax when I got down to the base, but I could
see I’d have to dig to get to the roots. It seemed as if I was digging to China
before I got it out. In the process, I chopped into an old glass jar that
someone must have buried many years before. They had not sealed it well, so the
contents were little more than mush. My imagination said they had filled it with
money, but it was impossible to tell. Whatever it was had been eaten by worms
and dissolved by water that seeped in. Jesus knew about buried treasures and
worn-out, moth-eaten purses. He knew that they would not last into eternity.
The only thing that would last is our relationship with Him. His advice is good
for people of every age. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also,” He declared. What is important to you? What is your treasure, and where
is it? If it is anything short of your relationship with Jesus, you will be
sadly disappointed in eternity. But if Jesus is number one in your life, you
can be sure you no longer have to worry about the Tomorrows of eternity. You
can say, “Goodbye, fear and worry!” You have a treasure that will last forever.
May your life reflect that same confidence, not just with your own, but also
with the lives of the downtrodden, the homeless, the hungry, and the hurting
God places on your path.
PRAYER
I have tried to store up
earthly “treasures,” Heavenly Father, but I know that things will wear out,
stocks will go down, savings might be depleted, and other items could be lost
or stolen. Forgive me when these are my treasures and when you and your love
are the only treasures I need. In Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Thanksgiving Day
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zephaniah 1:1-6; 1
Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Matthew 18:21-35
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:4 — I tell you, my
friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing
more.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As children inventing our own
games at the end of WWII, we fought many battles and died a thousand noisy
deaths, only to get up and fight another war. We would have considered
ourselves invincible had it not been for the fact that we knew of family members
and friends of the family who died in the war - and never got up to come home
or to fight another battle. The news reports reminded us of people in
concentration camps who were mercilessly beaten, starved to death, or killed in
any number of gruesome ways. When Mom called us in for a snack or a meal, she
sometimes reminded us of those with nothing to eat. The story of the Pilgrims
we heard at school just before Thanksgiving was another reminder of how good we
had it. The media brings some of the starvation right into our living rooms.
Sadly, we may quickly turn it off or change channels. But the hungry are still
starving, even when we don’t see them. Jesus said, “The poor you will have with
you always....” The poor and hungry, the sad and lonely, the hurting and
grieving of our world should be reminders of all God has done for us and how
good we have it. It should also strongly encourage us to share what we have
with those who have not. Starvation can kill the body, but selfishness will
destroy the soul. The truly invincible are those who know how to give thanks
putting their prayers into action. Have you invited someone to your
Thanksgiving table who may be hungry for food, clothing, friendship, or
encouragement? Please list all you are thankful for this year and share it with
your family, encouraging them to do the same. May we all celebrate the richness
of God’s love for us this season. Happy Thanksgiving!
PRAYER
As the Indians showed
hospitality by welcoming the Pilgrims into their homeland by sharing their food
and knowledge, help me, dear Lord, to welcome the stranger into my home that I
may share with them. I pray that I will be your disciple with all I do and say.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 27, 2026
Christ the King Saturday
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zephaniah 1:7-13; Revelation
14:1-13; Luke 12:49-59
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:56 — You
hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why
do you not know how to interpret the present time?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The sky was an unusual color,
with clouds that seemed like a boiling cauldron. As the distant thunder rumbled
closer and closer, and the lightning streaks became more visible, Mom ordered
all of us out of the house to prepare for the storm. She could tell by the sky
and the smell of the air that the storm was close. Mom sent my sister to chase
in the chickens and close their door. She sent me up the hill to make sure the
pigs were secure. She sent my brothers to close the barn with the bucket calves
and to the milk barn to ensure the door to their shelter was open for the cows.
Along the way, we chased the ducks into a small shed for protection. The dog
seemed smart enough to know it was time to take shelter. We all scrambled into
the house as marble-sized hail began to pelt us, and the rain poured down. We
saw the signs, and we heeded them. Jesus probably learned to do that as a child,
too. His warning to the religious leaders is that they know how to read the
signs of the weather but don’t have a clue about the spiritual storms gathering
momentum. That is a legitimate complaint for today’s generation, too. How good
are you at reading the signs of the Lord? It doesn’t take a medical genius to
tell us that if we get a headache, our eyes water, and our sinuses plug up in a
smoky room, we are allergic to smoke. But what are the signs that sin and
temptation are causing us to become spiritually sick? Consider asking the
Christians you trust if they see signs of spiritual health or spiritual
“dis-ease” in you. Then, consider how you can allow the Holy Spirit to change
the bad for good and the good for even better!
PRAYER
I see the gathering clouds
and look for rain or snow, my friend and Savior, but I neglect to see the
storms of sin that gather in and around me. Open my eyes to see what is
important and then change me to be the person you intended. In your name, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 28, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zephaniah 1:14-18; Revelation
14:14-18; Luke 13:1-9
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:9 — If (the fig
tree) bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had lots of space for
growing things on the farm. At various times, we grew over 100 tomato plants,
about three acres of potatoes, five acres of sweet corn, and dozens of fruit
trees. If something we grew didn’t produce, something else would, so we didn’t
get excited about it. However, when I moved to Albion, Nebraska, I had a tiny
garden and did some research on “square foot gardening.” Before moving the
house across the street, my tiny little garden had almost 70 varieties of herbs
and dozens of perennial flowers. When squeezed for space, every square inch of
ground was important, and if a plant wouldn’t grow, I dug it up and tried
something else. Jesus noticed that farmers in Galilee had only a few decent
locations for growing fruit trees in their nearly barren soil. So they
reasoned: “Why waste space on a useless tree?” Jesus also encourages His
students to be useful and productive in their spiritual lives. He calls them
(and us) to “bloom (and produce) where He plants” us. So often, we look to the
green grass on the other side of where we are instead of making the best of the
good gifts God has already given us. There will be a time of reckoning for good
and for bad. May we be found “fruitful” when that day comes, as we share the
good news with those hungry and thirsty for the One who gives Life!
PRAYER
Dear Lord, you give us
only so much time to produce the fruit that you desire for your kingdom. Weed
me, till me, plant your word within me, and nourish me with your grace. After
that, use me to give good fruit to others by sharing all I have and your love.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 29, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zephaniah 2:1-15; Revelation
16:1-11; Luke 13:10-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:12-13 — When Jesus
saw (the woman bent over and unable to stand straight), he called her over and
said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on
her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My grandfather had arthritis
and probably osteoporosis. More and more, toward the end of his life, he walked
slightly bent over. Either or both conditions could have caused it. I still
remember him standing straight as he harnessed the workhorses in the barn when
we were a lot younger. After Grandma died, Grandpa lived with us. It was hard
to watch him getting old, crippled, and bent over. He was nowhere near as bad
as the woman who came to Jesus for help. I have visited several people with
similar conditions. Each time I prayed for them, I prayed that Jesus would lay
His hands on them and straighten them as He did in the gospel. God did not mean
healing to be in this life, physically, or there were things in their lives
that God straightened that I knew nothing about! I’m not much of a handyman,
but occasionally, I try my hand at fixing something. If it requires nails, I’ll
search for an old bent nail rather than going to the store to buy nice, new
straight nails. I know enough about carpentry to know that bent nails don’t
drive very well. So, I straighten the nail before driving it in. I’ve
discovered the same principle with screws and bolts, except that I’ve never
been very successful with straightening them without breaking them. The same
principle also holds true for us humans, bent by sin. Jesus may have a plan for
us, but until we are “pounded straight” and forgiven by the Master Carpenter,
we can never fulfill God’s plan. Does sin have you “bent over” and unable to go
in God’s direction? God would love to do the hard work of helping you go
straight! All God waits for is your invitation.
PRAYER
Your death on the cross
has taken away all my sins, my dear Jesus, but my actions bend me over and
over. Give me the strength and courage to do the hard work of helping me go
straight, which is your direction. I know that I cannot succeed without you. In
your Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 30, 2026
St. Andrew, Apostle
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zephaniah 3:1-7; Revelation
16:12-21; Luke 13:18-30
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:24 — Strive to
enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will
not be able.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Moving animals from the
summer pastures to their winter quarters two miles away was often a hassle.
Driving them required lots of help. Loading them on a truck required a loading
chute. In high school, I built a chute on wheels for loading cattle or pigs
onto the truck. It was sturdy and portable, but we had one major problem to
overcome when we used it. The animals wouldn’t climb on it to get into the
truck. We had to build hinged fences to act as a funnel to force them through
the truck’s narrow entryway. Even then, most of them objected strenuously and
loudly to the path we had to force them to take. We hadn’t done an outstanding
job of evangelizing and preaching to them the benefits of getting on the truck
to be taken to greener pastures or a protected winter home. But then, it seems
as if we do a better job of teaching, preaching, and evangelizing humans about
the joys of heaven, and many of them still run this way and that to avoid the
narrow door that leads to that place Christ has prepared for us. I’ve wondered
if somehow I could invent and build a spiritual loading chute, complete with
funnel-like fences... I’m not sure that would work, either. Jesus encourages
His disciples to narrow their focus so that they can aim their lives in the
right direction. May you follow that path that leads to the narrow door that
leads to the presence of the Throne of glory!
PRAYER
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